Term 4 Week 4

Weekly 5 With Leadership

Gullarn ngheeree - Welcome to this beautiful place,

Today we join with schools across the state to celebrate and applaud teachers for their commitment, passion, resilience and professionalism to mark World Teachers’ Day in Queensland.  

There are over 11,000 teachers in Queensland Catholic schools educating more than 160,000 students. The ministry of teaching at St Francis Catholic Primary is our commitment to our students, our families, our wider community, and to Catholic Education in the Diocese of Rockhampton. This commitment is based on unconditional regard for each student and a genuine desire to nurture engagement in learning across all aspects of self.  And whilst the life of an educator is diverse and at times challenging, what we receive back in sharing this learning journey with our students is ten-fold. From the good morning smiles, a flower picked on the way to school, to the ‘aha’ moments and the ‘I need your help’ moments, educators take hands, open minds,  and touch hearts.  

"O, God. We thank you for teachers whose heart is of gold.
Please be their shield while they guide us with wisdom. 
Watch over them as they fulfill the tasks you have trusted them with.
Be their light in uncertain times.
Amen”

School Assemblies on the even Wednesdays of term provide important time to gather to share information and achievements in recent learning.  During Term 4, our students join School Life chats on alternate Mondays for the last 30  minutes of the day. Led by the School’s Leadership team, these sessions allow time for whole-of-school messages, routines, and topics foundational to being a learner at St Francis Catholic Primary. An opportunity is provided for our teachers to meet in professional learning communities to engage in conversations on teaching and learning.

This week, I inform you of a change of practice to the administration of medication at school.  Following a recommendation from a recent visit from a CEDR consultant, please be advised of the processes now in place:

“The administering of Panadol, Nurofen, or other pain relief medication to a student requires a chemist label and/or written instructions from a doctor.  Parental requests/permission alone without a chemist/doctor’s label is not sufficient to meet legislation requirements for schools. Parents are able to administer Panadol to their child during the school day.” I am grateful for your understanding in this matter.

Spelling Bees, ‘Waru: Journey of the Small Turtle’, Quoin Island, Explorer’s Week - so many learning experiences for our students in the coming weeks!  Please stay in contact through Parent Orbit, emails, Seesaw, and our school newsletter for important information.

God’s blessings upon your weekend,

PAX et bonum - Peace and all goodness,

Meredith Grove
(Principal 2024)

From Kylie's Desk - APC

My article this week is something I would encourage parents to have a conversation with their children when the time is right. Our teachers are often talking with classes about something very important—building resilience!

Resilience is the ability to bounce back from challenges, learn from our experiences, and keep trying even when things get tough. Whether in school, sports, or friendships, resilience can help us face any situation with a positive attitude. Resilience means being strong, even when faced with difficulties. It's like a rubber band that stretches but snaps back into shape! When we practice resilience, we learn that it's okay not to win every time. In fact, losing can teach us valuable lessons that help us grow.

Imagine you're playing your favourite game, and you don't win. It might feel disappointing, right? But that's okay! Here are a few things you can learn from losing:

Understanding Emotions - It’s normal to feel sad or frustrated after losing. Recognising these feelings is the first step towards becoming more resilient.

The Power of Reflection - Losing gives us a chance to think about what we could have done differently. Did we practise enough? Did we stay focused? Reflecting helps us improve for the next time. Stacking our bike or scooter makes us a better rider next time if we reflect on the reason for our fall.

Finding the Silver Lining - Every loss can teach us something new! Maybe you learned teamwork or discovered a new strategy. Celebrating these lessons can make us stronger.

Encouraging Each Other - When we lose, or our peers beat us, it’s important to support our friends. A simple “Great job trying!” can lift their spirits and help them bounce back!

We talk a lot at St Francis Catholic Primary about having a growth mindset. Instead of fearing mistakes, view them as opportunities to learn. Building resilience is all about learning, growing, and supporting each other!

Remember, every setback can be a step forward if we choose to learn from it. So, the next time you face a challenge, remember that it’s not about winning or losing; it’s about becoming a stronger, braver you!

Swimming Carnival - Wednesday 20th November

Our final whole school carnival will be held in week 8. Parents are asked to complete the following Google Form, one per child. Further information regarding the carnival will be sent closer to the carnival.

Please email kylie_linforth@rok.catholic.edu.au if you have any questions.

Spirit Guardian Award

Nominations are now invited for the Spirit Guardian Award 2024 for an adult within our St Francis school community.

Affirmations

All Saints Liturgy - 1st November

Uniform Reminder

No Hat No Play

To keep our kids safe whilst they walk and play around our school, hats are a critical part of our uniform.

Celebration Assembly - Wednesday 13th November & Year 2 swimming lessons

As Year 2 has swimming lessons from 10:30-12:00 on Monday 11th and Wednesday 13th November anything where they are involved in the Celebration Assembly on Wednesday 13th November has been scheduled in the first half.

This way, students will have time to  be ready for bus departure at 10 AM. 

St Vincent de Paul Christmas Hamper Appeal

2025 Prep Enrolments

New Home Readers

Thank you to the Parents and Friends community for the recent purchase of new home readers. We bought a variety of decodable readers and more difficult home readers for our young learners. Keep an eye out inside the new books for the Gratitude sticker.

Don't forget to use the SORA app, too. By logging in with the ACEN (Australian Catholic Education Network) and choosing the Rockhampton Diocese, thousands of books are at your fingertips. 

Guitar Lessons are coming in 2025

Local musician, Mr Wayne Dunnett is keen to teach guitar and the fundamentals of reading manuscripts.

Please complete the expression of interest to reserve a spot. At this stage the opportunity is open to Years 3-6.

Tuckshop News

Parents and Friends News

World Educators Day 2025

Thanks to all who helped to make World Educators Day 2025 special for our amazing teaching staff!

We saw plenty of “hats off” acknowledgements to our teachers from the students, an amazing collection of student’s thoughts about their teachers, and a beautiful morning tea provided by the Parents & Friends Group was well received.

Prep Transition Days

Our school has several mornings coming up in early November where 2025 prep students and their parents have the opportunity to visit St Francis and prepare for school life next year.

At each of these mornings, the P&F will provide coffee and morning tea for the parents, as well as chatting with the new families to the school in order to provide them with a friendly face and general information about our school and parent community.

These mornings are from 9am to 10:15am on Tuesday 5th, Thursday 7th, Tuesday 12th and Thursday 14th November.

We’d love some help providing this welcome to our new families.

Please email SFTS_PandFSecretary@rok.catholic.edu.au if you’re available on any of the above mornings, even if it’s just for a short time.

Thank you 😊

Parents & Friends Group ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING (AGM)

This year’s AGM will be held on Friday 22nd November at 8:30am in the Staffroom.

All committee and event-related positions will be up for appointment, as well as discussion around the plan of activities and events in 2025.

All welcome!

Please remember, you can contact us at any time via the P&F email SFTS_PandFSecretary@rok.catholic.edu.au, the feedback & suggestions box at the school office, or by attending the general meetings. 

We appreciate and encourage your thoughts and involvement which nourish the St Francis community.

Parents & Friends Group

Community News

Star of the Sea Church Centenary Raffle

With the Star of the Sea Centenary Celebrations fast approaching, the Star of the Sea Church are holding a fundraising raffle.

Tickets are $5 each.

If anyone would like to purchase any tickets please see Melissa Wilkings in the St Francis School Office.

Dangers of Swimming In Wild Cattle Creek

Gladstone Regional Council in partnership with Queensland Surf Lifesaving and Tannum Sands Lifesaving Club recently launched a video on social media highlighting the dangers of swimming in Wild Cattle Creek.

Unfortunately, many people are not aware of the danger of swimming in Wild Cattle Creek on an outgoing tide, placing themselves and their families in danger.

Please use the below link to view the video.